We've already shown you, separately, two of the most off-road-capable mid-size pickup trucks around — the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro — as we get ready to pit them in head-to-head competition. But we thought you might also want to see how they look side by side, nose to nose and tailgate to tailgate.

Both are relatively close in size and stature, but there are some differences. Of course, the important question is whether those differences will have a significant, minor or nonexistent impact when we test them against one another. Find out Monday.

I rented a 2017 4Runner 4WD for a week - it comfortable and drove nice aside from being gutless at 7000ft elevation. I guess the normally aspirated 5% engine HP loss/1000ft rule of thumb it's justifiable. Hopefully it wasn't the Atkinson cycle. The 2.8L Dmax diesel would smoke it at 7000ft.

Posted by: Ken | Jul 29, 2017 1:11:56 PM

I personally think the Chevrolet is a better looking truck, expect the exhaust pipe looks ridiculous.
The results will most likely favor the GM product based on the fact that it is the newer and more advanced platform.

I personally think the Chevrolet is a better looking truck, expect the exhaust pipe looks ridiculous.
The results will most likely favor the GM product based on the fact that it is the newer and more advanced platform.

@Ken: The 2017 4 runner has the 4.0L engine, the engine that is missed by some new Tacoma owners as the Tacoma has the new 3.5L dual injected Atkinson cycle engine.

Posted by: NoQDRTundra | Jul 29, 2017 3:00:50 PM

Anybody think the spare in the CHEVY bed is practical. It looks cool but no room for anything in the bed. CHEVY DIDN'T GIVE you any place to MOUNT it underneath. I own a 15 Colorado and love the new look but I do more street driving than off road so that spare isn't working or that muffler.

Posted by: James Stanton | Jul 29, 2017 3:02:07 PM

@ James Stanton there is the regular under truck location for the spare, the bed mount is a dealer installed option

Posted by: Rock | Jul 29, 2017 3:17:21 PM

Anyone else notice the incline they put the ZR2 on in the tailgate to tailgate picture?

Posted by: Rock | Jul 29, 2017 3:20:15 PM

There isn't a Chevy truck out there that would out last a Toyota in the same class.

Posted by: Gundernutts | Jul 29, 2017 4:39:45 PM

@Andy, I agree with the bed being too tall. Even looking out the rear view mirror would be somewhat obstructed like those taller profile tool boxes. I do like the looks of the Colorado better minus that fact. I also like the more aggressive tires and right height advantage of the Colorado. Only other question would be the gap in the hood and front fender on that side view pic. Is that normal?

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 29, 2017 5:08:31 PM

Ride height*

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 29, 2017 5:09:03 PM

@ Oilfieldfx4 tailgate while driving is a none issue and when backing you have the camera and mirrors, as to that gap, no that isn't normal, perhaps there is an explanation in the comparison or perhaps someone forgot to close the hood after an engine shot?

Posted by: Rock | Jul 29, 2017 6:03:09 PM

Wow look at that pathetically low-hanging transfer case on the Tacoma. WHY is the ZR2 shock mounts such a deal breaker when Toyota mounts their T-case over an inch below the bottom of the frame rails? No wonder aftermarket underbody armor plates are so common for the taco transfer case..... and stronger ring & pionion kits.... and stronger control arms.... and replacement bushings for the shakey front diff.... etc etc. Toyoya didn't even bother putting decent offroad tires on it.

Posted by: Aldo | Jul 29, 2017 6:10:16 PM

That's true Rock, good ol cameras these days. That's what I was thinking about the hood, looks like it got popped and not shut all the way.

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 29, 2017 6:31:15 PM

@Oilfieldfx4 my 2013 Avalanche has a massive blind spot behind the tailgate, I have never backed into anything (camera & auto tilt mirrors) but there have been plenty of times I have braced for impact in SF Bay Area traffic only to be relieved that there was still at least a foot of space even though in my rearview mirror I could only see a roofline lol... I have been very interested in this match up as I am deciding between the two, I have quite a few friends that are Taco'd up so I have easy access to the aftermarket & hook ups but the ZR2 with a diesel is keeping my attention just looking at them side by side the Colorado appears to have some distinct advantages and it should since the Pro was a benchmark during development...

Posted by: Rock | Jul 29, 2017 6:53:52 PM

There isn't a Chevy truck out there that would out last a Toyota in the same class.

Posted by: Gundernutts | Jul 29, 2017 4:39:45 PM

Haha the Tacoma's frame would rot away LONG before that. And that 3.5 won't last half as long as the venerable 4.0. The 3.5 Tacomas already have crank sensor failures, oil leaks, and high pressure fuel pump failures. That's a lot to put up with considering the 3.5's gutless torque ouput and buzzy highway characteristic. The buzziness was so bad my foot and hands were going numb on the long 6 hour drive.

Posted by: Brick | Jul 29, 2017 7:49:41 PM

The bed height looks fine to me. Not sure what the issue is. Maybe don't compare it to the shoebox in the back of the Tacoma.

Posted by: BD | Jul 29, 2017 8:50:21 PM

WOW How can these trucks go off road with those almost square wheel wells? Some of you guys pick on GM but don't say anything about Toyota and Jeep having square wheel wells.

Posted by: beno | Jul 29, 2017 9:10:38 PM

the sweep on the Windows on the Colorado really bugs me! looks like crap. Should be a fun match up. Enough foreplay already!

Posted by: canoepaddler | Jul 29, 2017 9:35:53 PM

That Chevy isn't worthy to even be sitting next to the Taco. Peoples choice matters and Taco mops the floor with that junk.

Rear bed height is too tall, going to be a pain in the rear trying to grab gear from the side or even load into the rear, why so high GM?

Rear windows on the GM just looked chopped and does not sit well with the rest of the truck unlike how nice the Tacoma rear doors and windows fit nicely...

We all know GM will win because they have better buttons or something gurly!

Tacoma TRD Pro is the better truck! You get to use the bed!

Posted by: oxi | Jul 29, 2017 11:18:20 PM

Chevy is on its way to be competition. Everybody is talking about looks, what about capabilities? The taco still outperforms.

Posted by: dedo | Jul 29, 2017 11:24:57 PM

Tacoma all the way . GM/Chevy junk. They may just last for 5 yrs hahaha

Posted by: Phil | Jul 30, 2017 6:26:23 AM

Both are really nice trucks.
I would pick the Chevy if I needed this type of vehicle.

Posted by: What the heck | Jul 30, 2017 7:31:11 AM

What the heck,
They both do look nice.

The biggest issue with the Colorado is that ridiculous exhaust behind the rear wheel.

I wonder how long that will last?

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 30, 2017 8:25:15 AM

Where is the Ranger?????? OH if you need a truck you need a F-150 .

Posted by: Sammy | Jul 30, 2017 8:30:57 AM

I like both and could easily live with either. I do prefer the Colorado being that it is the most up to date. I would skip the tire in the bed and put it under the truck.

Posted by: Trucker | Jul 30, 2017 8:46:12 AM

Toyota is already racing and winning with a stock TRD Pro down in Baja!

Jay Leno is one of the drivers!

Posted by: oxi | Jul 30, 2017 9:20:10 AM

Chevy will win because the Duratracs are better off-road than the mild AT tires on the Tacoma.

Posted by: Ken Lyns | Jul 30, 2017 11:49:45 AM

Sammy,
I just came back from a ride (went for dinner) in a 2017 F150, I think it must be the Limited Edition Plastic Fantastic trim.

The ride is poor, as bad as a global Ranger, the interior is so plasticky it makes Lego look like metal.

One thing, the AC works well.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Jul 30, 2017 11:50:20 AM

Wonder how much those Multimatic shocks cost if you need to replace one. $1500? $2000?

Posted by: Ken Lyns | Jul 30, 2017 11:50:57 AM

@Rock, SF would be a great testament to blind spot scenarios lol. A lot of tight spots there for sure. The taco most assuredly has a bigger following, but your spot on about that diesel option.

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 30, 2017 12:28:16 PM

@Big Al, sorry your experience in the F-150 wasn't up to par. My 16 xlt fx4 still gets compliments on the interior after 33k miles and the ride quality as well. Those are actually 2 items that are brought up every time some one new rides in my truck so maybe trim levels would be a factor in that judgement and road conditions? I've only rode in a new Tacoma once and it seemed to ride well, but never in a new body style Colorado so I can't really compare these two yet.

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 30, 2017 12:38:54 PM

I wouldn't drive either of these trucks. The Tacoma is a little boys and girls truck. Reall men drive full size so I wouldn't drive the Colorado either.

Posted by: Fred | Jul 30, 2017 1:52:50 PM

Posted by: Oilfieldfx4 | Jul 30, 2017 12:38:54 PM
"I wouldn't drive either of these trucks. The Tacoma is a little boys and girls truck. Reall men drive full size so I wouldn't drive the Colorado either."

Fred, that might be the most insecure statement I have heard all year. Trucks are functional tools, not identities. The Tacoma takes it!

Posted by: Doug | Jul 30, 2017 6:01:24 PM

Those side by side images just show how wide that chevy is. Prolly too wide for the tough trails that the taco and keeps can go. Why by a midsize that is just as wide as a 1/2 ton when 1/2 tons are to big for woods and off-road trails

Posted by: Yuppp! | Jul 30, 2017 6:05:07 PM

Fred is right. The target market for Tacomas consists of young males. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But most men grow out of them.

Posted by: Scott | Jul 30, 2017 6:13:29 PM

GM totally blew it when they decided not to put the 4.3 in the Colorado. They decided to copy and go with a car engine. If Toyota put a 650 V-Twin in the Tacoma, GM probably would have too. GM, the company who can imitate, but not innovate.

Posted by: 2.7EcoboostRoost | Jul 30, 2017 9:26:05 PM

The Tacoma holds it's resale value because it will outlast the Cheby hands down. The Tavoba hasno competition.

Posted by: Isaac H | Jul 30, 2017 10:30:46 PM

Fred and Scott,

You guys have personal problems?

A truck is a truck, their is no "real" one, they are defined as a truck!

You must have small p e n i s issues or something to make a ignorant statement like that!

Posted by: oxi | Jul 31, 2017 3:18:55 AM

I like the Tacomas better. Much much dependable.

Posted by: Thomas Dashiell | Jul 29, 2017 10:28:56 PM

Not according to Consumer Reports. They said the 2016 Tqcoma was the least reliable midsize truck sold today.

Rear bed height is too tall, going to be a pain in the rear trying to grab gear from the side or even load into the rear, why so high GM?

Posted by: oxi | Jul 29, 2017 11:18:20 PM

Who cares about shock mounts?? Look at how low the transfer case hangs below the frame on the Tacoma. It's pathetic.

I'd rather scuff and dent my steel shock mounts than crack open my aluminum transfer case out on the trails. What a JOKE!

Posted by: Brick | Jul 31, 2017 4:02:04 AM

Taco all the way on this one.

Posted by: Nitro | Jul 31, 2017 6:53:36 AM

Oilfield4x4,
I've been in these and driven these quite often. We even have a V8 among the mix. I rather drive the, except is doesn't have the power of the EcoSieze, but is sound nicer. The Hemi Rams I've rented so far have been the nicest pickups to drive around in. Even from an FE perspective the Ram is roughly on par to the EcoThirsts. I just don't like these EcoLoss engines. They don't offer real savings. If you drive like an old fert, maybe, but then Ford might just as well sell the F150 with a 2.5 litre 4.

Yes, these new Ford interiors look like something that I would of expected the Chinese to offer with the plastics. Even the Expeditions are plastic crap. Again, I do believe the Ram has a nicer feel to the interior.